Latest Chapter Of Kia Motors' Design-Led Transformation Story Honored With Global Design Awards

IRVINE, Calif., July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Exhibiting highly sculpted, sloping shoulder lines and wedge-shaped exteriors, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact has achieved top honors from exclusive design award competitions in the U.S. and Germany, including the brand's first IDEA Design Award in the Transportation category and a highly coveted Red Dot Design award.  

The IDEA Award is a top design award organized by the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and recognizes designs that affect a person's quality of life and economy in 18 categories, including Transportation, Design, Technology, and Design Strategy. 

The 2012 Red Dot Design awards are held by the Design Centre of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and judge on innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling.  Globally, Kia has been awarded six Red Dot awards since 2009 – with the Picanto and Rio winning in 2012, Optima and Sportage winning in 2011, Venga in 2010 and the Soul in 2009.

"Since its introduction, the Rio's striking looks inside-and-out has attracted new customers to the Kia brand with a standout combination of style, performance and modern amenities that consumers are looking for," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.  "The new Rio is the latest vehicle to emerge from Kia's design-led transformation and represents the collaborative work of our global network of design centers in Seoul, Frankfurt and Irvine, California under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer."

About the 2012 Rio

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the eco-friendly 2012 Rio is available with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or six-speed automatic.  One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading[2] 138 horsepower while maintaining a standard class-leading[3] fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway).

Kia's Unprecedented Growth

Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[4] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[5].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan*.  Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

[1] Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending April 2007 and April 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.

[2] Class-leading 138 horsepower claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of May 2012.

[3] Class-leading fuel economy claim for 1.6L GDI engine based on comparison of 2012 subcompacts as of May 2012. 2012 EPA fuel economy estimates are 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy with 1.6L GDI engine. Actual mileage will vary.

[4] Source:  Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.

[5] Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.

SOURCE Kia Motors America